The good news is that the Aztecs seem to fully recovered from their first three-game losing streak in four seasons. James Rahon has shown signs of emerging from a shooting slump. So has Xavier Thames, who is shooting 72.7 percent (16 of 22) since the second half of the Colorado State game.

They’re still waiting for Chase Tapley to shake his, but there’s also this nugget: He has shot over 50 percent in just one conference game this season, a 9 of 16 performance against UNLV last month at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“We’re ready,” Tapley said. “I mean, it’s the best time of the year. It’s March. These are the games you want to play ... We just want to come out with another championship.”